Helix construction, part 2: Trackwork

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Helix construction, part 2: Trackwork

Рет қаралды 169,471

Күн бұрын

This video is part two of our helix construction project. It illustrates how to lay smooth, problem-free flex track in a model railroad helix. For information about installing the roadbed, see Helix construction, part 1: Roadbed. www.trainvidesoandparts.com.

Пікірлер: 59

@alfredatkinson669 8 жыл бұрын

The BEST instructional video I've ever seen about building a railway helix. Simply explained with full details, good lighting so viewers can actually see what's being done and some good tips for soldering flexitrack joints on curves. Thanx.

@originaldarrkon Жыл бұрын

Thanks for these videos! I’m about to have my first go using flexi track soon and a couple of your videos have some really good advice I’m definitely going to use! Cheers!

@2011Maynard 12 жыл бұрын

Nice tip on securing and laying track. I'll use your method, as post repair of helix track is defnitely something I want to avoid, and yours looks to be the best method I've seen to date - Thanks

@JeffJohnston 11 жыл бұрын

John -- Thank you for the kind words! Many years ago there was an advertising campaign in the US that was hosted by the Natural Gas association. They were trying to get people to use more natural gas appliances instead of electric, fuel oil, and so on. "Now we're cooking with gas" was the commercial message that indicated success or the use of the best, latest equipment. Sorry for the confusion.

@FishplateFilms 12 жыл бұрын

Nicely done Jeff, thats how I do it ! I'm building my first helix and i'll be screwing down my rails as well, where I live the temp goes from 5 deg /c to around 38-40 so expansion is a must since the layout is in a big shed ,and a helix has a lot of track in it that does expand !. Thanks for posting, well done. Cheers Gregg.

@FishplateFilms 11 жыл бұрын

G'day Jeff, finished my Helix and used your screw method as I mentioned in a earlier post,worked a treat!. Thanks again for the idea! Cheers Gregg.

@LeoStarrenburg 11 жыл бұрын

Thank you for a very informative video ! Saw it mentioned in the MRH magazine forum and am glad I found your KZfaq channel.

@saab93contdi 13 жыл бұрын

Great video thanks & a lovely guy that knows what he's doing.. Thanks again from the UK.!

@markdebsauzzietravels Жыл бұрын

Morning Sir Great vid very very helpful thanks for sharing :) Cheers Mark

@jhonny1392 11 жыл бұрын

Many thanks for your reply Jeff. Now I understand better your saying. Cheers John, from Chile.

@Silver1Sprg 10 жыл бұрын

Excellent ideas. I'm going to build a layout in my office and refer to your technique. Never built a helix, but finally ready to take the challenge.

@huguessmets4682 5 жыл бұрын

Trés bien merci beaucoup

@fred4513 6 жыл бұрын

Just found your channel. OUTSTANDING !!! BEST HELIX VID I HAVE FOUND !!! 👍👍👍 AND SUBED !!! HAVE TO BING WATCH YOUR VIDS !!!

@garethdavies8673 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your experience

@ronjacobs253 6 жыл бұрын

Great videos I'm getting started with my Helix and your ideas, instructions will be very useful.

@JeffJohnston 13 жыл бұрын

I can only speak for my experience. I think the hot glue is unnecessary, and I don't use it. I have not had screws come loose during years of helix use. The ties are not screwed too tight because the plywood does not compress like cork or homasote, which could cause the effect you mentioned. The setup as shown seems to work very nicely, and trouble free, for me anyway. I hope this helps!

@rockislandmodeler6802 9 жыл бұрын

A really nice job Jeff!!

@JeffJohnston 13 жыл бұрын

The screws used to fasten the track down are 5/8 inch long, #4 or #6, chosen so the pan head doesn't quite slip through the washer, while not protruding too far above the washer, either. Visit a hardware store and experiment. -Jeff Johnston

@curraheewolf 12 жыл бұрын

Superb!!! Good job!! Gary Watertown, NY

@pdx650 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us other enthusiasts.

@jeffjohnston575 6 жыл бұрын

And thank you for the kind words!

@JeffJohnston 13 жыл бұрын

No expansion problems at all. There's a bit of "give" or flex between the attachment screws, so if the track expands, it can flex laterally just a tiny amount. If the track is fully glued down, as some people do, that much flex may not be possible, though I have never glued track down like that so I can't say for sure.

@JeffJohnston 13 жыл бұрын

Elder: Yes, those screws are obtrusive, and that's addressed in the video (Or I thought it was ...), but since the helix will be concealed, that's not a problem. The system works very well for me. Obviously, the visible trackage on the layout does not use those screws and washers.

@Silver1Sprg 13 жыл бұрын

Would you consider putting a little hot glue on the bottom of the track to help hold it in place - besides using the 5/8" screws? I would think after a while, the screws could come loose and or track shift if it's not tight enough. And then too tight will cause the track to bend in the middle causing the rails to come together slightly in some areas??? Or am I making too much of a big deal? I love your helix design. Best I've seen.

@JeffJohnston 11 жыл бұрын

Hi, I use about a 1/16" bit. Experiment with the screws you use, drill test holes and make sure the screw hangs in there securely.

@JeffJohnston 13 жыл бұрын

@Silver1Sprg - Going from roadbed to just track on wood is a matter of shimming the helix plywood roadbed to the correct track level. See the April 2008 Model Railroader for my article "Construct a Simple and Reliable Helix" that explains all about starting the grade. Good luck!

@cprtrain 7 жыл бұрын

Well done!

@daveolliemetalhead 6 жыл бұрын

Nice clean work

@elderfreddyboy 13 жыл бұрын

Why do you use the screws to secure the track to the roadbed? Looks a bit obtrusive doesn't it? Or are you not worried about looks as the helix will probably be behind the scenes anyway?

@JeffJohnston 11 жыл бұрын

Skip - If you mean the subroadbed construction, sure, no reason why N scale would be any different. If you're referring to the method of securing the track with the screws and washers, I'm not sure. I've never worked with N scale track. It means you'd need to use some very small screws and washers, but as long as you choose hardware that wouldn't interfere with wheel flanges on the sides or low-hanging coupler trip pins, and the screws were long enough to hold the track in place, is may work.

@KTMRDeSilva 8 жыл бұрын

Good video. Will give it a try.

@bradjustad3527 Жыл бұрын

Screws and washer in HO Anybody with thoughts for N Scale I was just planning on using latex glue ?

@jhonny1392 12 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff, I found very interesting your vid (I also watched the ones about your second level) because of the very simple and efective technique you use. Your vids are very well done with fine shoots and clear explanations. It was very funny for me hear that saying you used at 6:37. Please tell me how it is ?. Is "we're cooked with gases" or something like that. Can you tell me the right spelling, please. Thanks in advance. By the way, I'm from Chile and I model in N scale. Cheers, John.

@Silver1Sprg 13 жыл бұрын

I'm getting ready to build my 7th layout. Never tried a Helix, but your video has inspired me to give it a try and I'll have a two level layout in a 10 x 11 foot room (HO). QUESTION: How do you START the Helix - going from roadbed to just track on wood, and getting the right grade. I know once the first level is done, the rest is easy. I need this answered, cause I'm a bit lost on how to start the grade. Thanks

@fruitgums 6 жыл бұрын

The only constructive criticism I can can see is that you have your cordless drill clutch set to nine, with my cordless if I turn the clutch down to 1 or 2 it would tighten the screw to just about bite, Among other things I fit kitchens so the clutch is an integral part of the job. Great job though and I will use this info :)

@jeffjohnston575 6 жыл бұрын

Hi, I almost never use the clutch, it's normally operating on drill setting. After a lot of years using these things that's what I'm comfortable with. I prefer going by feel and sound when driving screws, and seldom have stripping problems.

@revealingfacts4all 11 жыл бұрын

Very cool & informative video. One question I was wondering in the consideration of building my own is if I should use a road bed of either foam or that spongy foam stuff. I realize the helix is enclosed but I was thinking the helix may act like a sound baffle similar to a speaker enclosure and help to amplify noise. So I was thinking of using foam roadbed to deaden the sound. Any thoughts or suggestions on noise from the helix? Does what you enclose it in muffle the sound good enough? Thx.

@RailyardProductions 13 жыл бұрын

Do you have any problems with track expansion/contraction using welded rail on the helix? This looks like a great system. I'm in the beginning stages of building my layout. Hanging drywall on the walls now.

@russh7224 11 жыл бұрын

Jeff, do you have a video that demonstrates how you laid out the cuts for the helix arcs on the plywood sheet?

@stevecochrane2808 11 жыл бұрын

Jeff, Thanks for your informative video. I have one question though. I live in Melbourne Australia and we have a temperature range from around 40f to 110f and I was wondering if you have any trouble with rail expansion and if all the rail joints in the whole helix are soldered. Cheers Steve.

@njtcoastline 13 жыл бұрын

What type of solider do you use to do track and DCC decoders? And what kind of soldiering iron do you recommend? Greg

@cropicosw16 10 жыл бұрын

Jeff - What do cover the helix with, when finished i.e. Scenery Thanks, Dave UK

@jbll36 6 жыл бұрын

Hi Jeff. Is there a part three where we see trains going thru the helix? Ray L.

@russellscohy2933 8 жыл бұрын

I notice you are soldering the inside and outside of the rails. I was told not to solder the inside of the rails to prevent the wheel flanges from hitting it. How do you prevent this from happening?

@JeffJohnston 8 жыл бұрын

+Russell Scohy Hi, I solder the rail joiner connecting the rails, not the head of the rail, and I use just enough solder to accomplish the task of jointing the pieces solidly together. The solder does not need to be built up into a huge duck poop pile on top of the rail joiner, which is what you'd have to do to have any solder affect the flanges, as that pile of solder does nothing for the strength of the joint. You'd also be filing down the joint, as necessary, to clean up any excess. But if you just solder the rail joiner, there will be no such interfering excess to have to remove. Be sure to use flux as it makes the solder flow into the joint far more smoothly. Experiment and practice and you'll see how easy it is to achieve successful results.

@yuriilev 11 жыл бұрын

Jeff, what size drill bit do you use to pre-drill the holes for the screws?

@nigelcarter9503 8 жыл бұрын

Great from Nigel in Wales.....not England......we are a bit ....about that

@dallas184 13 жыл бұрын

are these videos able to be purchased on DVD and what grade is ur helix set at for the climb and will it fit a model double stack train

@ernieparsons1071 6 жыл бұрын

Jeff, great video. My question is about wiring the helix. Do you have a set distancebetween feeders and how do you run the track bus in the helix? Thanks!

@jeffjohnston575 6 жыл бұрын

Greetings Ernie, thank you for the kind words. I use one set of feeders per level or loop. Every track joint is soldered so in my opinion anyway, any more than that is unnecessary. I have the power bus lines at the bottom level, and ran the feeders from the rails down the inside of the helix to the bus. I added the feeders as each level was built for ease of access before there was any track directly above. In retrospect (always the best vision) I could have run a power bus up the inside of the helix and reduced the length of the individual track feeder wires but oh well, the system as done works fine. I also was not overly concerned with wiring cosmetics inside the helix, shame on me for being lazy that way! I have a photo of the finished area but I'm not sure how to attach one here.

@jeffjohnston575 6 жыл бұрын

If you are a Trainorders member, I can post the photo to the Model Railroading section. Would that work?

@ernieparsons1071 6 жыл бұрын

Sorry Jeff, not a member, but you explained it very well and thatgives me my answer so thank you a bunch!